Exciting news from Honeywell about the iconic T55 turboshaft engine surfaced in mid-April. A pair of T55 engines powered a Sikorsky-Boeing SB-1 DEFIANT in a Vertical Lift demonstration intending to revolutionize the U.S. Army Aviation branch.

This new and improved engine has been in the final stages of development and will be showcasing new technology to increase reliability, availability ,and decrease operational costs. John Russo, senior product director at Honeywell, claims it is a new era for T55 engines. He told reporters at a press release that this new aircraft engine will lower fuel burn while simultaneously increasing aircraft load and flight range. This is exciting for manufacturers and civilians alike.

The T55 has already been used in the U.S. Army’s Chinook helicopters for some time now, but this latest advancement will take the Army into a new modernized generation of technology and infrastructure. In addition to all the aforementioned benefits to this engine, there is also a downstream result of greater overall horsepower. The T55 can be incorporated by a kit at overhaul by Honeywell or the Army location in Corpus Christi, Texas or as a new production, forward fit option.

Honeywell is in a great position. Testing will continue on the DEFIANT as the U.S. Army weighs their decision on its future Vertical Lift platform. Honeywell will now offer a common, but equally extraordinary, engine for both the Chinook helicopter and the aircraft eventually chosen by the Vertical Lift procurement team.

John Russo adds that the T55 engine is now brought up to the latest certification standards to set a long-term growth pattern for power increases, decreased fuel needs, and airframe weight increases. John Russo finishes by saying that he looks forward to powering many more flights in the years to come.

At Aerospace Unlimited,we help you find all Honeywell aircraft parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at salea@aerospaceunlimited.com or call us at 1-412-212-0606.

After a plane has been decommissioned it ends up in a dusty parking lot known as a “boneyard.” A boneyard is a massive field that houses aircraft that can no longer fly, where the parts that are still functioning are recycled, or often times, resold. A plane that has been deemed too old to fly can still have a large amount of value. These boneyards may not be spectacular, but they are a heavy contributor into the industry that comprises an “after life” ecosystem. One that spans from hedge funds to specialized recycling firms.

Permanently retired aircraft are slowly but surely dismantled overtime. Their decommissioning fluctuates with the demand for working spare parts. The vessels are inspected for key components that can still serve a purpose, and when there’s nothing left, the remains are melted down for scrap metal. Some sections of the fuselage may be removed and used as training facilities for flight crew, firefighters, or other educational purposes. Breaking down an aircraft requires specialized skills and training—combined with modern technology—to gather, separate, and recycle the different alloys, plastics, and fluids. Often times the aircraft is not recycled, instead it is simply left to rust. Once the plane has been de-registered, it is classed as waste and has to be processed in compliance with environmental regulations.

The amount of parts that can be reused depends on the age of the aircraft. A fairly new A320 aircraft can have as many as 1,200 reusable aircraft components, although most of the value lies in the engine. Their turbines contain rotating blades that must be changed out on a regular basis to stay in compliance with aircraft regulations. Swapping out these blades with used parts can cut repair costs in half. Secondhand landing gear can also fetch a hefty price ($300,00). Approximately $2.5 billion worth of salvaged and recycled parts entered the market between 2009 and 2011. These components can be sold overseas to countries that have different regulatory standards on which parts are still functional. Airlines can purchase spare parts through a third-party reseller, from a government marketplace, or even on eBay. Almost every part of an airplane can be recycled for use in newer planes.

The world’s largest aircraft boneyard (AMARG) is located in Arizona and is estimated to hold more than $32 billion worth of outdated planes, including government aircraft. The arid climate in this state slows down the rusting process, prolonging the afterlife of the aircraft. The inventory consists of retired commercial carriers to nuclear capable B-52 bombers, and everything in between. More than 80% of the planes stored here are used for spare parts. When a plane arrives in AMARG it is thoroughly washed to remove any salt on the exterior. Technicians then drain the fuel tanks, cover the tires, and remove any potentially explosive devices (guns or ejection seat activators). They then paint the top of the plane white to deflect the sun’s rays and signify an inoperable aircraft.

The life of an aircraft doesn’t end when it is decommissioned. It lives on in the boneyards of the world, providing parts to upgraded versions of themselves and enabling a new market to exist.

At Aerospace Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the salvaged aircraft parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aerospaceunlimited.com or call us at +1-412-212-0606.

Aching legs, weird humming noises, squeezing past other people to get to the restroom— these discomforts describe the features of a bad aircraft seat, and rest assured, we’ve all been there. So, where is the best place to sit on an airplane? Is it worth it to pay for your seat, or to sit by your device 24 hours after booking your flight to get that “A” boarding pass? We’ll lay out all the facts using the example of a widebody aircraft so that you can make your decision with ease.

Let’s tackle what region of the cabin to sit in. Which is best— front, middle, or back of the aircraft? If you’re particular about noise, the front of the cabin is your best choice. On average it is quieter than the rest of the plane, and sound from the engines is most diffused towards the front. This area is also less affected by general turbulence. Pro tip, if you’re a first-time flyer or you are bringing one, sit up here.

Sitting in emergency seats is the best option for anyone looking for more leg room, but always be prepared to handle the responsibilities this seat may require. Exit seats with more space are located in the middle of a wide body aircraft. Last but certainly not least to some, for a cool social media photo, sit in the middle of the aircraft. You’ll have a better chance of that picturesque view of the aircraft wing.

When you’re looking for privacy, or the chance of an empty seat next to you, sit in the back. Most airlines load the aircraft front to back, so your best chance of available seats and overhead bins is in the rear of the aircraft. This will also give you quick access to lavatories, and usually faster flight attendant service. Now, is there really that much of a difference between a window, middle or aisle seat? Let’s dive into the specifics.

If you are in a rush for one reason or another, need to get up frequently, or crave more leg room, the aisle seat is your best choice. Psychologically, it’s also better for new flyers, and anxious flyers, to sit in the aisle seat. The accessibility can help reduce general anxieties.

Middle seats are generally the least preferred seat on an aircraft due to their limited accessibility. However, this choice is ideal if you are saving a seat for someone, or if you are bringing a child on board. You can ensure a saved seat beside you, and people in a group are less likely to try and sit in your row. It is also the second-best choice if you know you’ll need to have regular access to the bathroom.

Window seats are ideal if you’re wanting to sleep undisturbed. Flight attendants and passengers are less likely to bump you as they pass by, and noise is reduced in this area. However, shoulder room is limited near the window, due to the curvature of the airframe. If you need extra space, opt for the aisle seat instead.

At Aerospace Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find the aircraft parts you need, new or obsolete. As a trusted ISO 9001:2015 certified and FAA AC-0056B accredited company, we’re committed to quality and ready to help you 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aerospaceunlimited.com or call us at +1-412-212-0606.

Have you ever wondered why some aircraft have a structure at the end of the wing that stick up? They may seem counterintuitive when comparing it to the lift to the force produced by a vertical wing. However, they make a lot more sense than you think. These wing structures reduce weight and drag, and increase lift and efficiency. They were created after fuel costs started skyrocketing in the 1970s and have been one of the most effective technologies to increase fuel-efficiency since.

Aircraft Wings lets are structural components added to the tip of the wing— they reduce wingtip vortices. Wingtip vortices are produced at the tip of the wing when the high-pressure air from the bottom of the wing meets the lower pressure air at the top. This air flows behind the flight path and can be detrimental to other aircraft that are following— they are strong enough to flip some aircraft.

Winglets reduce drag; they increase the aspect ratio of the wing without adding as much weight as an expansion. One benefit to having a winglet over a longer wingspan is that increasing the span lowers lift-induced drag, but increases parasitic drag. Winglets also increase lift. The magnitude and orientation of the lift force generated by the winglet are determined by the angle at which the winglets’ airfoils diverge from the relative wind direction. Generating more lift without increasing weight or drag means that winglets result in greater fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, and a lower cost for airlines.

With the benefits that winglets provide, it’s difficult to understand why there are some aircraft that don’t have them. While it’s easier and safer to add a wing extension, adding a winglet can be tricky. Although aircraft can be fitted with winglets, many manufacturers are integrating winglets into the original design. This increases safety and efficiency.

At Aerospace Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the aircraft parts you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aerospaceunlimited.com or call us at 1-412-212-0606.

“Aircraft engine failure” is one of the most unsettling phrases in the aviation community. Failures of aircraft engine can be caused by a multitude of different parts malfunctions, and/or pilot error. The statistics on the frequency of aircraft engine failures are sparse and convoluted. However, for commercial air travel, most modern twin engine passenger jets are designed to function safely even if one engine fails. Engine failure as a result of part malfunction seems to differ between the type of engine. So, let’s take a look at an industry standard—turbine engine failure.

Statistically, the most immediate problem that ensues as a result of engine failure in a turbine engine is loss of thrust. Thrust propels the plane forward consistently at a predetermined altitude. This is part of achieving what the pilot on a commercial aircraft announces as “cruising altitude”. Without thrust, the plane starts to lose altitude. The speed at which this happens depends on the damage to flight control surfaces. If the aircraft wings, tail plane, or ram air turbine are damaged, engine failure can quickly become a more serious problem. A pilot will need to glide the aircraft to safety. Aircraft pilots should have completed thorough training to know how to calculate the altitude and angle in which they can bring the plane to safety, and where to do so. Due to the dual engine system in a jet aircraft, only a record of 3 engine failures resulting in gliding have occurred in the last decade.

Aircraft maintenance and regular inspections are integral to ensuring that aircraft parts are not vulnerable or damaged in order to prevent engine failure. Reported aircraft engine failures in the last fifty years total under 10— and they are typically caused by poor decisions or judgment from the pilot and/or crew. Extreme weather events leading to malfunctions are also common sources for engine failure, so scheduling regular inspections of parts is essential as a preventative measure to avoid engine failure on your aircraft.

At Aerospace Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the Pratt & Whitney aircraft parts and aircraft engine parts assemblies you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aerospaceunlimited.com or call us at +1-412-212-0606.

A printed circuit board electronically and mechanically connects electrical components using special conductive tracks. These features are etched into copper and laminated onto or in between sheet layers of nonconductive substrates. Printed circuit board layouts are extremely important in circuit design processes because the layout determines how a circuit will work— including its reliability and performance.

There are several computer development programs that aid with printed circuit board designs, streamlining the design process. These types of programs increase the ease of the design process not just for experts, but also for students. Previously, the design was created using tape and a master drawing sheet, a technique that is long gone. Software for printed circuit boards vary in function and must be selected based on the requirements of the circuit board.

The first step in creating a design for a printed circuit board is to capture the schematic of the circuit. This can be done by using a special tool included in your package or by purchasing an external package whose output can be expressed and formatted to match. This creates a “netlist” which allows for interconnectivity between circuit nodes, electrical pins and nets. Before a netlist is created, it is imperative to know where to place the components to confirm circuitry. Roughly knowing the placement of all components beforehand will make it easier to determine the required space between layers for future electrical placements. Once all placements are placed in the correct position, routing will take place. The connections will need to be routed to the components on all layers. Routing is the most complicated process of printed circuit board design. This design will be used several times during the manufacturing process.

Aerospace Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, should always be your first and only stop for all your circuit board needs. Aerospace Unlimited is a premier supplier of printed circuit board assembly parts. Whether new, old, or hard-to-find, we can help you find all the parts you need. Aerospace Unlimited has a wide selection of parts to choose from and is fully equipped with a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and we will always help you find what you’re looking for, 24/7x365. If you’re interested in a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aerospaceunlimited.com or call us at +1-412-212-0606.

The Rolls Royce Trent 500 engine is a complex piece of machinery that is the operating force behind Airbus’ A340, -500, and -600. Its design was based off the RB211 line of three-shaft engines, which has consistently proven to be a reliable engine model.

The Trent 500 is Rolls Royce’s profit generator because it allows for a better payload – thanks in part to its lightweight design and high levels of fuel efficiency. This engine also boasts outstanding in-service margins, allowing for longer lengths of time between maintenance and lower repair costs.
Some key features of the Trent 500:

53K or 56K pound take-off thrust

Single crystal high-pressure turbine blades

97.4” wide-chord fan diameter, made of lightweight titanium – protects against any damage from foreign objects

So how do aircraft engines work? They start by pulling air into the front of the aircraft via a large blade fan. Next, a compressor raises the air pressure and internal blades start spinning and squeezing the air. Once compressed, the air is mixed with fuel and a spark lights the mixture, shooting jets of burning gas out the back and thrusting the aircraft forward. The hot air then passes through the turbine, causing the compressor to spin. Although this is a very simplified explanation, this is the basis of how all aircraft engines work.

Within the engine, there’s something called an integrated drive generator (IDG). This component connects to the aircraft gearbox and converts the shaft power into constant frequency electrical power. Inside the Trent 500, there are four IDGs that work together to meet the A340’s level of power requirements. These are important because they act as a governor, keeping the aircraft at a stabilized speed.

Aerospace Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, is an online distributor of aircraft engines and engine-related components, with aircraft repair capabilities. With a continuously increasing inventory, you can be sure Aerospace Unlimited will have everything you need and more. Aerospace Unlimited is known for finding cost-effective solutions for hard-to-find aircraft parts. We will ensure all your needs are addressed in a timely and professional manner. For a quote, reach out to our main office by phone: +1-412-212-0606 or by email: sales@aerospaceunlimited.com.

The Airbus Group A380 production is a massive undertaking, assembled in Jean Luc Lagardere Plant, which is in at Toulouse Blagnac Airport located in France. The parts are shipped from all over Europe to be assembles at the plant and sent for orders. The aircraft wings are made in Wales, the rear fuselage is made in Hamburg along with the vertical tail fin, the forward and center fuselage are made in France, the horizontal tail is made in Spain.

The aircraft has over 4 million parts made by 1500 companies from more than 30 countries around the world. These parts are massive components and is difficult to transport. However, this is how it is done. The first order was made by Singapore airlines in 2007, and since then they have made over 200 aircraft.

One of the most amazing things about the Airbus is that they have their own army of ships to ship all of these components to be assembled. 3 boats to be exact and are even customized to their needs for transporting aircraft parts. Six of the major components of the aircraft are transported by boat, only one is done by aircraft, the vertical tailfin inside a Airbus A300-600ST otherwise known as the Beluga. This plane still isn’t large enough to transport the other 6 major parts. These boats make a 8 day journey travelling 335 kilometers through the rivers in Europe. Once the parts are delivered by boat, they need to hit the road, they only travel at night when traffic is low due to the massive size of the parts and the truck that moves them. One of the most amazing things that a road was built for these transports, so that the cargo transport isn’t disturbing towns people in rural France.

Aerospace Unlimited owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, should always be your first and only stop for all your hard to find fuselage parts, and aviation fasteners. Aerospace Unlimited is the premier supplier of aerospace components, whether new, old or hard to find, we can help you locate it. Aerospace Unlimited has a wide selection of parts to choose from and is fully equipped with a friendly staff, so you can always find what you’re looking for, at all hours of the day. If you’re interested in obtaining a quote, contact the sales department at www.aerospaceunlimited.com or call +1-412-212-0606.

Owners and operators of the Bombardier Challenger300 and 600 series business jets, along with the new Challenger 350 and 650 aircraft, may have the pleasure of looking forward to Gogo AVACE L5 4G Wi-Fi on these aircrafts. The availability of this wi-fi connectivity is due to a recent collaboration between Bombardier (located in Montreal), and Duncan Aviation (located in Lincoln, Nebraska). Both companies were recent recipients of STC (Supplemental Type Certificates) for the Gogo system on the 360 and 650 aircrafts, as well as a component option for in-service 300 and 600 aircraft.

Both Bombardier and Duncan Aviation will undergo retrofit installations at Bombardier’s world-renown, 5 FAA Diamond award winning centers located in North America, as well at Duncan Aviation’s 3 MRO (maintenance repair, and overhaul) locations. As a support to the government, service providers, and business operators, Duncan Aviation provides service that includes engine maintenance, major cockpit and cabin retrofits, airframe inspections and more.

On newer Challenger aircrafts, the Gogo system will work in accordance with Bombardier’s HD CMS which is labeled as providing the best audio experience for passengers. The system also provides a broader range of cabin features that Bombardier explains will allow for passengers to access data, entertainment, CMS services and more, in an easer manner. Promoted as being three times quicker than 3G networks and designed in direct regards to business aircraft, the Gogo Biz 4G network require more than two-hundred and fifty towards that can provide connectivity across the United States and parts of Canada.

Bombardier and Duncan Aviation have confirmed the completed installation of the Gogo Avance L5 on 300 and 605 Challenger aircrafts. The option for retrofit is available for the 350, 604, and 650 aircraft. Brad Nolen, vice president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, shares Bombardier’s pride and joy as a leader in cabin connectivity by offering the 4g Wi-Fi system on new and in-service aircrafts.

Aerospace Unlimited, an ASAP Semiconductor owned website, was developed to further simplify the procurement process in the aviation industry. Bombardier, the well renown aviation parts manufacturer, is just one of the many thousands of manufacturers supplied by Aerospace Unlimited. Whether it is supplying Bombardier Aircraft parts or parts for civilian or military aviation or more, Aerospace Unlimited will allow for customer’s to secure parts quickly and with ease.

With the upgraded Garmin display components-the user has access to mapping, terrain profile view, and routes. By providing this information in a seamless easy-to-use system, the operator can fly with confidence and enhance safety and assurance to all parties involved with helicopter operations. Using new technology effectively and with minimal error, the Garmin G3000H is a simply designed with less complications, mitigating the risks of malfunction. It is imperative that Garmin helicopter parts are reliable and user-friendly.

Garmin aviation parts provides the best quality products when it comes to helicopter parts and display components. The new Garmin G3000H also allows for NVG-compatibility, which makes better situational awareness and improve decision-making when flying in night conditions. Ultimately, Garmin produces products for a wide range of users, whether it is a frequent flyer on a business trip or weekend recreational flights, customers can trust Garmin aviation parts to do the job.

Aerospace Unlimited, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, should always be your first and only stop for all your hard to find and urgent Garmin aviation part types. Aerospace Unlimited is the premier supplier of Garmin helicopter parts, whether new, old or hard to find, they can help you locate it. We have a wide selection of aircraft parts to choose from and is fully equipped with a friendly staff, so you can always find what you’re looking for, at all hours of the day. If you’re interested in obtaining a quote, contact the sales department at www.aerospaceunlimited.com or call +1-412-212-0606.

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